Carman,
You will be missed. My heart broke when I heard the news.
I remember when I first met you at Sonlight, your sister’s church. You had just moved from New Jersey heading to Las Vegas to make a go of it, but God had other plans. I was a little girl, but you made an impression on me because you were so funny.
Ever since, you have blessed my walk with the Lord throughout the years. Thank you for singing out the truth boldly and unashamed. The tenderness you felt toward Jesus came through your music as well. When I first heard you sing “Something Changed,” I was sitting in the very back of the church. You just finished writing it, and you were sharing it for the first time. When you got to the chorus, my eyes swelled with tears and a lump formed in my throat. “Wow,” I thought, “finally someone understands how I feel.” That song goes way back, but it still pulls at my heart.
It was a special privilege having you as a family friend all these years...the memories between our families are forever in my heart. I know many knew you as some kind of celebrity, but to us, you were just Carman...or should I say, “Googootz!” I remember you had that made into a T-shirt because Johnny and Junior would call you that in our Pop’s shop.
Carmanooch, say hello to your parents and mine will you? Maybe you are hearing them sing right now to the music of your mom and my dad playing their accordions together huh? Like the old days? I miss all of you. Life...it’s really something. But now, you really are going to start to live! See you on the other side my other brother!
Lana (Foti) Hays
Friend